Man of Steel

When Scott McConnell walks into the rehearsal room at Elgin Community College, it’s more than a return to campus — it’s a full-circle moment.

Now the instructor of ECC’s Steel Drum Band, McConnell first encountered the program in the late 1990s as a middle schooler taking percussion lessons from Paul Ross, one of the ensemble’s co-founders. What started as a family curiosity — “What are those instruments, and can we try them?” — soon became a shared passion. McConnell and his parents began playing together through ECC’s community education program.

“I owe my entire career in music to ECC,” McConnell said. “This place introduced me to steel pan, and it’s what set me on my path.”

After earning multiple music degrees, including a master's in World Percussion and Steel Pan Performance, McConnell stayed connected to ECC through guest performances and family involvement. When the opportunity arose to lead the ensemble, he didn’t hesitate. “Even though I live in Chicago now, I always knew I wanted to give back to this community. ECC gave me my start.”

Established in 1987, the Steel Drum Band is not your average musical group. Many of its members have been playing together for years, some even for decades, and their connection goes far beyond the classroom. They attend summer concerts together, coordinate group outings, text regularly, and even help each other with everyday tasks, like picking up mail while someone’s out of town.

“It’s really become a family,” McConnell said. “It’s not just music, it’s friendship, support, and belonging.”

Michele Machowicz knows that firsthand. A retired teacher and former ECC English instructor, Machowicz got involved in the steel drum band in a roundabout way. She first encouraged her husband, Tom, to join and tagged along to rehearsals, which led to an invitation to try it herself.

“I couldn’t even read music,” she said, “but I was up for the challenge.”

She started in the beginner class on entry-level instruments and gradually progressed to more complex ones. Today, she plays side-by-side with her husband and is fully immersed in the band’s vibrant community.

“We all get along so well,” she said. “We go out to eat, attend parties, help each other install things in the home, and even take trips together.”

Her message to those considering joining? “Just try it, because it’s so much fun. And we play a wide variety of music.”

That openness is what makes the ensemble stand out. Unlike traditional music groups that often require technical experience, ECC’s Steel Drum Band is open to all, with no prior musical background necessary.

“Most people come in at the same starting point,” McConnell explained. “Some have played before, some haven’t, but we work together. It’s a community-driven learning experience.”

The band plays an eclectic mix of music — everything from classical and '60s rock to Caribbean calypso and modern pop. Their performances reflect the players' diverse interests and the instruments' roots.

“Steel pan has always been about taking familiar songs and giving them new life,” McConnell said. “We try to honor that tradition in everything we play.”

The next chance to see ECC’s Steel Drum Band in action is at their winter concert, scheduled for Wednesday, December 4. The performance will showcase the group’s wide-ranging repertoire and the vibrant energy they bring to the stage.

McConnell encourages those interested in joining or simply learning more to reach out. “Come to a concert. Talk to us. Try the instruments. We’re always excited to welcome new members, no matter your experience level.”

As McConnell continues to grow the program and look for new ways to bring steel pan into the broader Elgin community, his commitment to the ensemble remains rooted in gratitude.

“This isn’t just a class,” he said. “It’s a community that changes lives,  just like it changed mine.”

Elgin Community College offers six ensembles, including the concert band, choir, and jazz. Visit elgin.edu to learn more.